Ratcheting strap adjuster

ABSTRACT

A ratcheting strap adjuster comprising a bracket, a webbing plate, and one or more captive members. The webbing plate is rotatably coupled to the bracket. Each of the one or more captive members is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the one or more captive members restrict rotation of the webbing plate in one direction when the one or more captive members are in the engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate in the one direction and in an opposite second direction when the one or more captive members are in the disengaged position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/192,243, filed Nov. 15, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/587,719, filed Nov. 17, 2017 andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/662,806, filed Apr. 26, 2018,which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Safety regulations, for example Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) regulations, require that workers working fromheights wear fall protection equipment, including a safety harness thatis connected by lifeline or lanyard to an anchor point. The snug andproperly-adjusted fit of a safety harness is important to the user'ssafety. A safety harness that is too loose may allow the user to slipfree from the harness during a fall. A harness that is improperlyadjusted may transfer the load from the lifeline to an unsafe point onthe user and lead to suspension trauma or other injury while the userawaits rescue. The ease of safety harness adjustment is a leading factorin the user's willingness to take the time to correctly adjust theirharness for safe operation. A difficult or unintuitive harness webbingadjuster may discourage the user from properly adjusting the harness tofit during each donning. Furthermore, some harness adjustment mechanismsallow excess webbing to dangle freely from the end of the adjuster,which may create additional snag or entanglement hazards.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressedby embodiments of the disclosure and will be understood by reading andunderstanding the present specification. The following summary is madeby way of example and not by way of limitation.

In one example, a ratcheting strap adjuster comprises a bracket, awebbing plate, and one or more captive members. The webbing plate isrotatably coupled to the bracket. Each of the one or more captivemembers is moveable between an engaged position and a disengagedposition, wherein the one or more captive members restrict rotation ofthe webbing plate in one direction when the one or more captive membersare in the engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate inthe one direction and in an opposite second direction when the one ormore captive members are in the disengaged position.

In one example, a ratcheting strap adjuster, comprises a bracket, awebbing plate rotatably coupled to the bracket, and first and secondcaptive members. The first and second captive members are moveablebetween an engaged position and a disengaged position. Each of the firstand second captive members includes an angled portion configured andarranged to restrict rotation of the webbing plate in one direction whenthe first and second captive members are in the engaged position andallow rotation of the webbing plate in the one direction and in anopposite second direction when the first and second captive members arein the disengaged position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be more easily understood, and furtheradvantages and uses thereof can be more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the detailed description and the following Figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example ratcheting strap adjuster.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example captive arm locking mechanism thatmay be used with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjustershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 1 without a cover plate.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another example ratcheting strap adjuster.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of an example safety harness system includingthe ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG. 5 and a webbing.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the safety harness system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another example ratcheting strap adjuster.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example bracket that may be usedwith an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the bracket shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example spacer plate that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the spacer plate shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example captive member that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example captive member that maybe used with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example webbing plate that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example knob that may be used withan adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG. 8with a portion of the housing removed to show an example captive memberlocking mechanism in a locked position.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG.18 with the portion of the housing removed to show the example captivemember locking mechanism in an unlocked position.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another example ratcheting strapadjuster.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an example bracket that may be usedwith an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG.20.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an example retainer plate that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example spacer plate that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of an example captive arm that may beused with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 25B is a front view of the captive arm shown in FIG. 25A.

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of another example captive arm that maybe used with an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 26B is a front view of the captive arm shown in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an example cover plate that may be usedwith an adjuster, such as the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG.20.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG.20 with a portion of the housing removed to show an example captivemember locking mechanism in a locked position.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the ratcheting strap adjuster shown in FIG.20 with a portion of the housing removed to show an example captivemember locking mechanism in an unlocked position.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevantto the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like elementsthroughout the Figures and the text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Examples of ratcheting strap adjusters described herein enable a user toselectively adjust a webbing or strap using a single hand for ease ofuse. In at least some examples, the strap may be loosened using asingle-handed double action to facilitate decreasing a likelihood ofinadvertent loosening. The ratcheting strap adjusters described hereinmaintain at least some webbing in a contained manner such that an amountof webbing dangling freely from the ratcheting strap adjuster islimited.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an example ratcheting safety harness adjuster orstrap adjuster 10 includes a bracket 11 and a webbing plate 12 coupledto the bracket 11. In some examples, the bracket 11 is generally Ushaped. For example, the bracket 11 may have a first sidewall, a secondsidewall spaced from the first sidewall, and one or more lateral wallsextending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

The webbing plate 12 extends between the first sidewall and the secondsidewall. In some examples, the webbing plate 12 includes a first endportion that extends through a first opening 24 defined in the firstsidewall and a second end portion that extends through a second opening25 defined in the second sidewall. In this manner, the webbing plate 12may be coupled to the bracket 11 in a manner that restricts the webbingplate 12 from translating relative to the bracket 11 while allowing thewebbing plate 12 to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the webbingplate 12 (e.g., the pivot point). For example, the first end portion andsecond end portion may rotate about the pivot point within the firstopening 24 and second opening 25, respectively. In some examples, athumb knob 19 is coupled to the webbing plate 12 (e.g., at the first endportion) for use in rotating the webbing plate 12 with increasedleverage. The thumb knob 19 may have, for example, one or more portionsspaced farther from the pivot point and/or extending substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the webbing plate 12. In someexamples, the thumb knob 19 has an opening defined therein sized and/orconfigured to receive the first end portion. A rivet (not shown), forexample, may be extended through another opening defined in the thumbknob 19 and/or an opening defined in the first end portion to securelycouple the thumb knob 19 to the webbing plate 12.

In some examples, a webbing guide 18 extends between the first sidewalland the second sidewall. The webbing guide 18 is spaced from a firstlateral wall to define a first channel therebetween and from the webbingplate 12 to define a second channel therebetween in fluid communicationwith the first channel. The webbing guide 18 may have, for example, agenerally cylindrical body.

A captive arm locking mechanism including a spacer plate 13 and/or acover plate 16 is coupled to the bracket 11. One or more rivets 17, forexample, may be extended through one or more openings defined in thespacer plate 13, cover plate 16, and/or bracket 11 to securely couplethe captive arm locking mechanism to the bracket 11.

The captive arm locking mechanism includes a plurality of captive armsor members 15 that are moveable between an engaged position and adisengaged position. The captive arms 15 may be housed and/or positionedin a cavity defined by the bracket 11, spacer plate 13, and/or coverplate 16. Each captive arm 15 includes a notch 27 sized and/orconfigured to receive an outer portion of the webbing plate 12. Theouter portion of the webbing plate 12 may be a corner of the webbingplate 12, for example. The outer portion of the webbing plate 12 ispositionable in the notch 27 of one of the captive arms 15 when thecaptive arms 15 are in the engaged position.

The webbing plate 12 is generally rotatable about the longitudinal axisof the webbing plate 12 (e.g., the pivot point) between a seatedposition, in which the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 ispositioned in the notch 27 of one of the captive arms 15, and anunseated position, in which the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 isspaced or removed at least partially from each notch 27 of the captivearms 15. A plurality of surfaces of the outer portion of the webbingplate 12 may interface and/or engage with (e.g., touch) a plurality ofsurfaces defining the notch 27, for example, when the webbing plate 12is in the seated position. In some examples, the webbing plate 12 isrotatable from the seated position in a first direction (e.g., aclockwise direction from the perspective shown at FIG. 3), and/or isrestricted from rotating from the seated position in an opposite seconddirection (e.g., a counter-clockwise direction from the perspectiveshown at FIG. 3). In this manner, the strap adjuster 10 may be“ratcheted” in that the webbing plate 12 rotates from the seatedposition in only one direction. In some examples, the webbing plate 12is biased toward the seated position.

The webbing plate 12 may be rotated away from the seated position tomove the captive arms 15 toward the disengaged position. Each captivearm 15 includes an arcuate surface at a radius that is equal orsubstantially similar to a distance between an outer surface of theouter portion of the webbing plate 12 and the pivot point. In thismanner, the outer surface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12may be moved generally along the arcuate surface of the captive arm 15as the webbing plate 12 is rotated (e.g., in either direction) about thepivot point. In some examples, the captive arms 15 move toward thedisengaged position at a first rate as the outer surface of the outerportion of the webbing plate 12 is moved away from the notch 27 of onecaptive arm 15 and along the arcuate surface of an adjacent captive arm15. The captive arms 15 may remain in the engaged position as the outersurface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 is moved betweenthe notch 27 of one captive arm 15 and the arcuate surface of anadjacent captive arm 15.

Each captive arm 15 includes an intermediate surface extending betweenthe arcuate surface and its own notch 27. The outer surface of the outerportion of the webbing plate 12 may be moved generally along theintermediate surface of the captive arm 15 as the webbing plate 12 isrotated (e.g., in either direction) about the pivot point. A distancebetween the intermediate surface of the captive arm 15 and thelongitudinal axis of the webbing plate 12 generally decreases from oneend portion of the intermediate surface proximate to the arcuate surfaceto an opposing end portion of the intermediate surface proximate to thenotch 27. That is, a first distance between the one end portion of theintermediate surface and the pivot point is greater than a seconddistance between the opposing end portion of the intermediate surfaceand the pivot point. The captive arms 15 may move toward the disengagedposition as the outer surface of the outer portion of the webbing plate12 is moved along the intermediate surface in a first direction (e.g.,toward the notch 27), and toward the engaged position as the outersurface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 is moved along theintermediate surface in an opposite second direction (e.g., towards thearcuate surface). In some examples, the captive arms 15 move toward thedisengaged position at a second rate greater than the first rate as theouter surface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 is moved awayfrom the arcuate surface and along the intermediate surface of one ofthe captive arms 15.

When the outer surface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 ismoved in the first direction beyond the intermediate surface, thecaptive arms 15 move toward the engaged position. In some examples, thecaptive arms 15 move toward the engaged position at a third rate havingan absolute value greater than the second rate and/or the first rateafter the outer surface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 ismoved in the first direction beyond the intermediate surface and intothe notch 27 of one of the captive arms 15.

The captive arms 15 may be configured and/or arranged such that thecaptive arms 15 interface and/or engage with (e.g., touch) the webbingplate 12 in a cooperative and/or synchronized manner. For example, thewebbing plate 12 may have a plurality of outer portions that areconcurrently positionable in the notches 27 of the captive arms 15 andmoveable along corresponding surfaces (e.g., arcuate surfaces,intermediate surfaces) of the captive arms 15.

A plurality of return springs 14 bias the captive arms 15 toward theengaged position. For example, return springs 14 may be compressedbetween the captive arms 15 and the spacer plate 13 to provide a forceurging the captive arms 15 toward the engaged position. In someexamples, the force between the captive arms 15 and the spacer plate 13generally increases as the webbing plate 12 is rotated in the first(e.g., clockwise) direction from the seated position until the outersurface of the outer portion of the webbing plate 12 is moved beyond theintermediate surface, at which point the force is released (e.g.,decreases).

The captive arm locking mechanism includes one or more user interfaces(e.g., tabs, levers) coupled to the captive arms 15. Each user interfacemay be selectively actuated to move one or more corresponding captivearms 15 toward the disengaged position. The user interfaces may begenerally firmly or rigidly coupled to the captive arms 15 such thatmovement of the user interface results in corresponding movement of thecaptive arms 15. The user interfaces may include, for example, tabsprotruding from the cover plate 16. In some examples, the tabs areconfigured to move the captive arms 15 toward the disengaged positionwhen the tabs are actuated in opposite directions. For example, a firsttab (e.g., the left tab shown at FIG. 3) may be actuated towards a firstdirection (e.g., towards the left from the perspective shown at FIG. 3)to move a first captive arm 15 (e.g., the left captive arm shown at FIG.3) towards the disengaged position, and a second tab (e.g., the righttab shown at FIG. 3) may be actuated towards a second direction (e.g.,towards the right from the perspective shown at FIG. 3) to move a secondcaptive arm 15 (e.g., the right captive arm shown at FIG. 3) towards thedisengaged position.

In some examples, a single captive arm 15 in the engaged positionrestricts the webbing plate 12 from rotating from the seated position inthe counter-clockwise direction (e.g., as shown at FIG. 3). In thismanner, the webbing plate 12 may be restricted from rotating from theseated position in one direction (e.g., the counter-clockwise directionfrom the perspective shown at FIG. 3) until each user interface isselectively actuated to move the captive arms 15 toward the disengagedposition. When the captive arms 15 are in the disengaged position, thewebbing plate 12 is rotatable in either the one direction (e.g., thecounter-clockwise direction from the perspective shown at FIG. 3) or theopposite direction (e.g., the clockwise direction from the perspectiveshown at FIG. 3).

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another example of a strap adjuster. This alternateconfiguration utilizes a captive arm locking mechanism including torsionsprings 20, captive arms 21, and shoulder bolts 22. In thisconfiguration, the torsion springs 20 bias the rotating captive arms 21against the webbing plate 12. The captive arms 21 include buttonsproximate one end and angled portions proximate the other end. Theangled portions are configured and arranged to restrict rotation of thewebbing plate 12 in at least one direction. The rotating captive arms 21pivot about the shoulder bolts 22 that are threaded into the bracket 11.The buttons are pivoted toward each other to move the captive arms 21from engaged positions to disengaged positions.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example strap adjuster 10 with a fixed webbing 23a and an adjustable webbing 23 b. The fixed webbing 23 a may be coupledto one portion of the strap adjuster 10, and the adjustable webbing 23 bmay be coupled to another portion of the strap adjuster 10. As shown atFIGS. 6 and 7, the fixed webbing 23 a generally circumscribes one leg ofthe bracket 11, and the adjustable webbing 23 b generally circumscribesone leg of the webbing plate 12. An end segment of the fixed webbing 23a may be sewn onto a body segment of the fixed webbing 23 a to securelycouple the fixed webbing 23 a to the bracket 11, and an end segment ofthe adjustable webbing 23 b may be sewn onto a body segment of theadjustable webbing 23 b to securely couple the adjustable webbing 23 bto the webbing plate 12.

The webbing plate 12 may be rotated in the first (e.g., clockwise)direction to decrease an exposed (e.g., unwound) length of theadjustable webbing 23 b and/or increase a tension in the adjustablewebbing 23 b. In this manner, a length of the adjustable webbing 23 bthat is wound or spooled around the webbing plate 12 may be increased asthe webbing plate 12 is rotated in the first direction. The webbingplate 12 has a flat profile that allows the adjustable webbing 23 b tobe wound in a generally flat or oval configuration.

The captive arms 15 may have chamfered edges 26 that allow rotation ofthe webbing plate 12 (e.g., in the clockwise direction) while thecaptive arms 15 are under spring tension, which results in easytightening of the adjustable webbing 23 b without need to unlock thecaptive arms 15. To rotate the webbing plate 12 in the opposite (e.g.,counter-clockwise) direction, the user interfaces are actuated (e.g., inopposite directions) to move the captive arms 15 toward the disengagedposition. This double-acting mechanism facilitates mitigating orreducing a risk of accidental loosening of the strap adjuster 10.

The webbing guide 18 guides or restricts a movement of the adjustablewebbing 23 b. The webbing guide 18 may, for example, guide theadjustable webbing 23 b toward the webbing plate 12 as the webbing plate12 is rotated and/or maintain a position of the adjustable webbing 23 brelative to a user. Alternate configurations (not illustrated) of theadjustable webbing 23 b in relation to the strap adjuster 10 include onecontinuous webbing passing through the webbing plate 12 without beingsewn over any component of the strap adjuster 10.

In another example, referring to FIGS. 8-19, a strap adjuster 100includes a housing or bracket 101, a captive member locking mechanism139, a mandrel or webbing plate 154, and a knob 162.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the housing or bracket 101 includes a firstside 102 with a slot 103 and a second side 104 with a slot 105interconnected by a first end 109 and a second end 112. The first end109 includes an aperture 110. The second end 112 includes a generallyT-shaped portion having a divider portion 113 extending between a firstreceiver 114 and a second receiver 117. The first receiver 114 includesa first bore 116, and the second receiver 117 includes a second bore119. The first receiver 114 and the divider portion 113 form a firstcavity 115, and the second receiver 117 and the divider portion 113 forma second cavity 118. Extending between the first side 102 and the secondside 104 proximate the second end 112 is an extension portion 120, whichforms a gap with the divider portion 113. The first side 102 and thesecond end 112 form a first notch 123, and the second side 104 and thesecond end 112 form a second notch 124. A cavity 126 is formed by thefirst and second sides 102 and 104 and the first and second ends 109 and112.

The captive member locking mechanism 139 includes a spacer plate 130 andcaptive members 140 and 147. The spacer plate 130 includes a first plateportion 131 extending upwardly from a second plate portion 135 in agenerally L-shape. The first plate portion 131 includes an extension 131a extending upwardly therefrom and an aperture 132 proximate the middle.A first receiver 133 is positioned proximate one side of the aperture132 and a second receiver 134 is positioned proximate an opposing sideof the aperture 132. The second plate portion 135 includes first andsecond apertures 136 and 137.

The first captive member 140 includes a first button 141 from whichextensions 142 a and 142 b extend in parallel and are interconnected bya first receiver portion 144 to form a cavity 143 therebetween. Thefirst receiver portion 144 forms a receiving cavity 145 a proximate itsdistal end and a receiving cavity 145 b in communication with the cavity143. The first receiver portion 144 includes an angled portion 144 athat forms part of the receiving cavity 145 b. The second captive member147 includes a second button 148 from which extensions 149 a and 149 bextend in parallel and are interconnected by a second receiver portion151 to form a cavity 150 therebetween. The second receiver portion 151forms a receiving cavity 152 a proximate its distal end and a receivingcavity 152 b in communication with the cavity 150. The second receiverportion 151 includes an angled portion 151 a that forms part of thereceiving cavity 152 b. The first captive member 140 is shown in FIG.14, and the second captive member 147 is shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 16, the mandrel or webbing plate 154 is a generallyflat, rod-like member with a first end 155, an intermediate portion 156with a slot 157, and a second end 158 with an aperture 159.

As shown in FIG. 17, the knob 162 includes opposing first and secondsides 163 and 165 interconnected by opposing first and second ends 167and 168, which are connected by a third end 169 to form a cavity 170therebetween. The first side 163 includes an aperture 164 in alignmentwith an aperture 166 in the second side 165. Optionally, the cavity 170may be divided into three sections, the middle section being incommunication with the apertures 164 and 166.

To assemble the strap adjuster 100, as one example, the webbing plate154 is positioned within the cavity 126 of the housing 101 with itssecond end 158 extending through the aperture 110. The knob 162 is thenconnected to the second end 158 by inserting a connector 178 such as aspring pin through the aperture 159, inserting the second end 158 intothe cavity 170, and positioning the ends of the connector 178 into theapertures 164 and 166. It is recognized that any suitable type ofconnector could be used such as but not limited to a spring pin, arivet, and a screw and connected either before or after the second end158 is inserted into the cavity 170. If the cavity 170 is divided intothree sections, the middle section is configured and arranged to receivethe second end 158 of the webbing plate 154 so that the aperture 159 isin alignment with the apertures 164 and 166.

The first end 155 of the webbing plate 154 is inserted through theaperture 132 of the spacer plate 130. The first captive member 140 ispositioned with the cavity 143 receiving the first receiver 133 andaligned with the aperture 132 proximate the receiving cavity 145 b. Thesecond captive member 147 is positioned with the cavity 150 receivingthe second receiver 134 and aligned with the aperture 132 proximate thereceiving cavity 152 b. The angled portion 114 a is positioned proximatethe bottom and the angled portion 151 a is positioned proximate the top.A first biasing member 172 is positioned within the receiving cavity 145a between the second receiver 134 and the first receiver portion 144. Asecond biasing member 174 is positioned within the receiving cavity 152a between the first receiver 133 and the second receiver portion 151.

The spacer plate 130 is then inserted into the housing 101. Theextension 131 a is positioned within the gap between the divider portion113 and the extension portion 120, and the first and second apertures136 and 137 align with the first and second bores 116 and 119. Fasteners176 and 177 are inserted through the first and second apertures 136 and137 and into the respective first and second bores 116 and 119 toconnect the spacer plate 130 to the housing 101. The first biasingmember 172 is positioned within an area of confinement formed by thefirst receiver 133, the first receiver portion 144, the first plateportion 131, and the second end 112. Therefore, the first biasing member172 biases or urges the first captive member 140 in a direction towardthe first receiver 133. The second biasing member 174 is positionedwithin an area of confinement formed by the second receiver 134, thesecond receiver portion 151, the first plate portion 131, and the secondend 112. Therefore, the second biasing member 174 biases or urges thesecond captive member 147 in a direction toward the second receiver 134.

An end of a first strap (not shown) is routed through the slot 105 inthe second side 104, and the end is secured onto the strap. An end of asecond strap (not shown) is routed through the slot 103 of the firstside 102, routed through the slot 157 in the webbing plate 154, and theend is secured onto the strap. It is recognized that other suitableconnection methods could be used to connect the strap(s) to the strapadjuster 100.

In use, the captive member locking mechanism 139 is biased in the lockedor engaged position. This is shown in FIG. 18. The first and secondbiasing members 172 and 174 bias the first and second captive members140 and 147 in locked positions to engage the webbing plate 154. In thelocked position, because the angled portion 144 a is positionedproximate the bottom and the angled portion 151 a is positionedproximate the top, the webbing plate 154 is restricted from rotation inat least one direction. In one example, the webbing plate 154 could berotated in one direction but not the opposite direction. As shown inFIG. 18, the webbing plate 154 can be rotated in a counterclockwisedirection but not a clockwise direction. Therefore, the knob 162 and/orthe webbing plate 154 can be rotated in one direction, which causes thesecond strap to be wound about the intermediate portion 156 of thewebbing plate 154. If the second strap is pulled in a direction tounwind second strap or the knob 162 is turned in the opposite direction,the captive members 140 and 147 prevent rotation of the webbing plate154.

To release the webbing plate 154 and allow the webbing plate 154 torotate in both directions (to wind and unwind the second strap), thecaptive members 140 and 147 are moved inward, which moves the receiverportions 144 and 151 away from the webbing plate 154. This is shown inFIG. 19. When the first and second captive members 140 and 147 are movedin generally inward directions, by pressing the first and second buttons141 and 148 inward, to overcome the force of the first and secondbiasing members 172 and 174, they are moved into unlocked or disengagedpositions, which disengage the webbing plate 154 and allow rotation ineither direction. Preferably, both of the captive members 140 and 147are moved into the unlocked positions to allow rotation of the webbingplate 154 to prevent accidental release of the webbing plate 154.

In another example, referring to FIGS. 20-29, a strap adjuster 200includes a housing or bracket 201, a captive member locking mechanism239, a mandrel or webbing plate 254, and a knob 262.

As shown in FIG. 22, the housing or bracket 201 includes a first end 209and a second end 212 interconnected proximate their distal bottom endsby a first side 202 and a second side 204. The first end 209 includes anaperture 210 proximate the middle and an aperture 211 proximate the topabove the second side 204. The second end 212 includes an opening 213proximate the middle and generally in alignment with the aperture 210,apertures 214 and 215 on opposing sides of the opening 213, and anaperture 216 proximate the top above the second side 204 and generallyin alignment with the aperture 211. The second end 212 may also includeflanges 213 a and 213 b proximate opposing sides of the opening 213 thatare preferably flush with an inner surface and recessed with an outersurface of the second end 212. A cavity 226 is generally formed by thefirst and second sides 202 and 204 and the first and second ends 209 and212.

As shown in FIG. 23, a retainer plate 220 includes an aperture 221proximate the middle and first and second flanges 222 a and 222 bextending outward from each side that are preferably flush with an outersurface and recessed with an inner surface. The retainer plate 220 mateswith the second end 212 such that the first flange 222 a is received bythe second end 212 proximate the flange 213 a and the second flange 222b is received by the second end 212 proximate the flange 213 b.

The captive member locking mechanism 239 includes a spacer plate 230 andcaptive members 240 and 247. As shown in FIG. 24, a spacer plate 230 isgenerally a rectangular frame with first and second plate portions 231and 235 extending inward from each side and forming an opening 238therein. The first plate portion 231 includes an aperture 232 and formsa first receiver 233 at its distal end. The second plate portion 235includes an aperture 236 and forms a second receiver 237 at its distalend.

The first captive member 240, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, includes afirst button 241 from which extensions 242 a and 242 b extend inparallel and are interconnected by a first receiver portion 244 to forma cavity 243 therebetween. The first receiver portion 244 forms areceiving cavity 245 a proximate its distal end and a receiving cavity245 b in communication with the cavity 243. The first receiver portion244 includes an angled portion 244 a that forms part of the receivingcavity 245 b. The second captive member 247, shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B,includes a second button 248 from which extensions 249 a and 249 bextend in parallel and are interconnected by a second receiver portion251 to form a cavity 250 therebetween. The second receiver portion 251forms a receiving cavity 252 a proximate its distal end and a receivingcavity 252 b in communication with the cavity 250. The second receiverportion 251 includes an angled portion 251 a that forms part of thereceiving cavity 252 b.

As shown in FIG. 20, the mandrel or webbing plate 254 is a generallyflat, rod-like member with a first end 255, an intermediate portion 256with a slot 257, and a second end 258 with an aperture 259. A knob 262includes a cavity 270 configured and arranged to receive the second end258 of the webbing plate 254 and an aperture 264 in communication withthe cavity 270 and in alignment with the aperture 259 when the secondend 258 of the webbing plate 254 is received within the cavity 270. Aconnector 278, for example a rivet, extends through the aperture 264 andthe aperture 259 to secure the knob 262 to the webbing plate 254.

As shown in FIG. 27, a cover plate 285 has a shape that generallycorresponds with that of the second end 212 and includes apertures 286and 287 that align with apertures 214 and 215 of the second end 212. Asshown in FIG. 20, a roller 280 includes first and second ends 281 and282 with smaller diameters.

To assemble the strap adjuster 200, as one example, the webbing plate254 is positioned within the cavity 226 of the housing 201 with itssecond end 258 extending through the aperture 210. The knob 262 is thenconnected to the second end 258 by inserting the second end 258 into thecavity 270 and then inserting the connector 278 through the apertures264 and 259. Although a rivet is shown, it is recognized that anysuitable type of connector could be used such as but not limited to arivet, a spring pin, and a screw.

The first end 255 of the webbing plate 254 is inserted through theopening 213 of the second end 212, and the retainer plate 220 ispositioned within the opening 213 so that the first end 255 extendsthrough the aperture 221. The spacer plate 230 is sandwiched between thefirst and second captive members 240 and 247 such that a first biasingmember 272 is positioned between the first receiver 233 and thereceiving cavity 245 a and a second biasing member 274 is positionedbetween the second receiver 237 and the receiving cavity 252 a. Thefirst end 255 of the webbing plate 254 extends between the first andsecond receiver portions 244 and 251. The angled portion 251 a ispositioned proximate the top and the angled portion 244 a is positionedproximate the bottom. The first biasing member 272 biases or urges thefirst captive member 240 in a direction toward the second side 204. Thesecond biasing member 274 biases or urges the second captive member 247in a direction toward the first side 202.

The cover plate 285 is then positioned over captive member lockingmechanism 239; a fastener 276 is inserted through the aperture 286 inthe cover plate 285, through the aperture 232 in the spacer plate 230,and through the aperture 214 in the second end 212; and a fastener 277is inserted through the aperture 287 in the cover plate 285, through theaperture 236 in the spacer plate 230, and through the aperture 215 inthe second end.

An end of a first strap (not shown) is routed about the first side 202and the end is secured onto the strap. An end of a second strap (notshown) is routed between the second side 204 and the roller 280 andthrough the slot 257 in the webbing plate 254, and the end is securedonto the strap. It is recognized that other suitable connection methodscould be used to connect the strap(s) to the strap adjuster 200.

In use, the captive member locking mechanism 239 is biased in the lockedor engaged position. This is shown in FIG. 28. The first and secondbiasing members 272 and 274 bias the first and second captive members240 and 247 in locked positions to engage the first end 255 of thewebbing plate 254. In the locked position, because the angled portion251 a is positioned proximate the top and the angled portion 244 a ispositioned proximate the bottom, the webbing plate 254 is restrictedfrom rotation in at least one direction. In one example, the webbingplate 254 could be rotated in one direction but not the oppositedirection. As shown in FIG. 28, the webbing plate 254 can be rotated ina counterclockwise direction but not a clockwise direction. Therefore,the knob 262 and/or the webbing plate 254 can be rotated in onedirection, which causes the second strap to be wound about theintermediate portion 256 of the webbing plate 254. If the second strapis pulled in a direction to unwind second strap or the knob 262 isturned in the opposite direction, the captive members 240 and 247prevent rotation of the webbing plate 254.

To release the webbing plate 254 and allow the webbing plate 254 torotate in both directions (to wind and unwind the second strap), thecaptive members 240 and 247 are moved inward, by pressing the first andsecond buttons 241 and 248 inward, which moves the first and secondreceiver portions 244 and 251 in directions away from the webbing plate254. This is shown in FIG. 29. When the first and second captive members240 and 147 are moved in generally inward directions to overcome theforce of the first and second biasing members 272 and 274, they aremoved into unlocked or disengaged positions, which disengage the webbingplate 254 and allow rotation in either direction. Preferably, both ofthe captive members 240 and 247 are moved into the unlocked positions toallow rotation of the webbing plate 254 to prevent accidental release ofthe webbing plate 254.

Example strap adjusters are described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The strap adjusters described herein enablerelatively easy adjustment of webbing and/or strap for use, for example,in properly adjusting a fit of a safety harness single handedly and/orwithout any other tools. This written description uses examples todisclose aspects of the disclosure and also to enable a person skilledin the art to practice the aspects, including making or using theabove-described components, assemblies, and/or systems and executing orperforming the above-described operations.

When introducing elements of the disclosure or the examples thereof, thearticles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that thereare one or more of the elements. References to an “embodiment” or an“example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpretedas excluding the existence of additional embodiments or examples thatalso incorporate the recited features. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be elements other than the listed elements. The phrase “one ormore of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or atleast one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in terms of various exampleswith their associated operations, it will be apparent that modificationsand variations are possible without departing from the scope of thedisclosure as defined in the appended claims. That is, aspects of thedisclosure are not limited to the specific examples described herein,and all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. For example, components of the systems described hereinand/or operations of the methods described herein may be utilizedindependently and separately from other components and/or operations.

Moreover, the methods described herein may include additional or feweroperations than those disclosed, and the order of execution orperformance of the operations described herein is not essential unlessotherwise specified. That is, the operations may be executed orperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and it iscontemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before,contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scopeof the disclosure.

The scope of the disclosure may also include other examples that occurto those skilled in the art. A person skilled in the art wouldappreciate, for example, that a combination of operations from anynumber of different examples is within the scope of the disclosure ifthey have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims and/or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A ratcheting strap adjuster, comprising: abracket; a webbing plate rotatably coupled to the bracket, the webbingplate having a distal end and a proximal end with an intermediateportion positioned therebetween, wherein a portion of the distal endextends outward from the bracket; a first captive member and a secondcaptive member forming a cavity proximate an outer surface of thebracket in which the distal end of the webbing plate is positioned, thefirst and second captive members being moveable between an engagedposition and a disengaged position relative to the distal end of thewebbing plate, the cavity having a first configuration in the engagedposition and a second configuration in the disengaged position, thefirst configuration being different than the second configuration,wherein the first and second captive members restrict rotation of thewebbing plate in one direction when the first and second captive membersare in the engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate inthe one direction and in an opposite second direction when the first andsecond captive members are in the disengaged position; and at least onebiasing member configured and arranged to bias the first and secondcaptive members in the engaged position.
 2. The ratcheting strapadjuster of claim 1, wherein the first and second captive membersinclude an angled portion acting as a stop to restrict rotation of thewebbing plate in the one direction when the first and second captivemembers are in the engaged position.
 3. The ratcheting strap adjuster ofclaim 2, wherein the angled portion allows rotation of the webbing platein the opposite second direction when the first and second captivemembers are in the engaged position.
 4. The ratcheting strap adjuster ofclaim 1, wherein the first captive member and the second captive membereach comprise: an angled portion acting as a stop to restrict rotationof the webbing plate in the one direction when the first and secondcaptive members are in the engaged position.
 5. The ratcheting strapadjuster of claim 4, wherein the angled portion allows rotation of thewebbing plate in the opposite second direction when the first and secondcaptive members are in the engaged position.
 6. The ratcheting strapadjuster of claim 1, wherein the first captive member and the secondcaptive member each comprise: a receiver portion forming a firstreceiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, the first receivingcavity configured and arranged to receive a biasing member, the secondreceiving cavity configured and arranged to receive the portion of thewebbing plate.
 7. The ratcheting strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein thebracket includes an aperture through which the portion of the webbingplate extends, a first receiver positioned proximate one side of theaperture, a second receiver positioned proximate an opposing side of theaperture, the first receiver configured and arranged to receive a firstbiasing member configured and arranged to bias the first captive member,and the second receiver configured and arranged to receive a secondbiasing member configured and arranged to bias the second captivemember.
 8. The ratcheting strap adjuster of claim 7, wherein the firstand second receivers are part of a spacer plate.
 9. The ratcheting strapadjuster of claim 8, wherein the spacer plate is positioned between thefirst and second captive members.
 10. The ratcheting strap adjuster ofclaim 8, wherein portions of the first and second captive members arepositioned within the spacer plate.
 11. A ratcheting strap adjuster,comprising: a bracket; a webbing plate rotatably coupled to the bracket,the webbing plate having a distal end and a proximal end with anintermediate portion positioned therebetween, wherein a portion of thedistal end extends outward from the bracket; and a first captive memberand a second captive member moveable between an engaged position and adisengaged position relative to the distal end of the webbing plateproximate an outer surface of the bracket, the first and second captivemembers forming a cavity in which the distal end of the webbing plate ispositioned, the cavity having a first configuration in the engagedposition and a second configuration in the disengaged position, thefirst configuration being different than the second configuration,wherein each of the first and second captive members includes an angledportion configured and arranged to restrict rotation of the webbingplate in one direction when the first and second captive members are inthe engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate in the onedirection and in an opposite second direction when the first and secondcaptive members are in the disengaged position.
 12. The ratcheting strapadjuster of claim 11, wherein each of the angled portions allowsrotation of the webbing plate in the opposite second direction when thefirst and second captive members are in the engaged position.
 13. Theratcheting strap adjuster of claim 11, wherein the first captive memberand the second captive member each comprise a receiver portion forming afirst receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, the firstreceiving cavity configured and arranged to receive a biasing member,the second receiving cavity configured and arranged to receive theportion of the webbing plate.
 14. The ratcheting strap adjuster of claim11, wherein the bracket includes an aperture through which the portionof the webbing plate extends, a first receiver positioned proximate oneside of the aperture, a second receiver positioned proximate an opposingside of the aperture, the first receiver configured and arranged toreceive a first biasing member configured and arranged to bias the firstcaptive member, and the second receiver configured and arranged toreceive a second biasing member configured and arranged to bias thesecond captive member.
 15. The ratcheting strap adjuster of claim 14,wherein the first and second receivers are part of a spacer plate. 16.The ratcheting strap adjuster of claim 11, further comprising at leastone biasing member configured and arranged to bias the first and secondcaptive members in the engaged position.